We'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. Here are your particulars....

New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: NO -2, O/U 57

We'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. Here are your particulars....

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: PIT -3, O/U 41

We'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. Drew Brees and the high flying Saints are hosting Matty Ice and the Atlanta Falcons Here are your particulars....

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: NO -11.5, O/U 55.5

We'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. Yes I am a Redskins fan, so you'll probably see my fly of the chain at some point this evening. Here are your particulars....

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: PHI -9, O/U 38

We'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. I'll be in and out for most of the game, but shouldn't slow down the fun. Here are your particulars....

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: NYJ -3, O/U 36

Tonight's game is supposed to set all sorts of cable ratings records, and we'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. Below are the particulars, and the ratings from ESPN's largest Monday night broadcasts. Get your predictions in and I'll see you at 8:30 for the game!

Eagles-Cowboys (9/15/08): 18,608,000
Patriots-Ravens (12/03/07): 17,522,000
Giants-Cowboys (10/23/06): 16,028,000
Panthers-Cowboys (09/28/09): 15,705,000
Falcons-Saints (09/25/06): 14,999,000

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: MINNESOTA -5, O/U 46

And thanks to Bodog, we even have some awesome prop bets for the game as well....

- How many times will Brett Favre’s wife Deanna be shown on TV during the Broadcast of Monday Night Football Week 4 of the 2009 NFL Regular Season? (Over/Under: 1.5)
- Brett Favre – Total Passing Yards Week 4 vs. the Green Bay Packers (Over/Under: 205.5)
- Brett Favre – Total TD Passes Week 4 vs. the Green Bay Packers (Over 1.5: +110/Under 1.5: -150)
- Brett Favre – Total Interceptions Yards Week 4 vs. the Green Bay Packers (Over/Under: 1)

We'll be doing some more live blogging tonight over at 12StepDrop. It's ESPN's turn at praising Jerry's new stadium tonight, so get on early to enjoy the fellating! We'll get going right around 8:30pm, but in the meantime....let's get those predictions!!!

Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: DALLAS -8.5, O/U 48

We'll be doing some more live blogging tonight over at 12StepDrop. It's Peyton vs. the Widcat O tonight, and while it's not the most exciting game ever, there is certainly some fantasy implication. We'll get going right around 8:30pm, but in the meantime....let's get those predictions!!!

Indianapolis at Miami (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: IND -3, O/U 41

We'll be doing some more live blogging tonight over at 12StepDrop. Brady's back and Jon Gruden makes his official debut on Monday Night Football. Not only that, but we have a second game as well! I'm sure there are a lot of fantasy games hanging in the balance, so bring your "A" material! We'll get going right around 7pm, but in the meantime....let's get those predictions!!!

Buffalo at New England (ESPN, 7pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
San Diego at Oakland (ESPN, 10:15pm)- Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic, Steve Young

Lines: NE -13, O/U 47.5 - SD -10, O/U 42.5

It's here! It's really really here!!! This summer has taken forever, but Football starts tonight, and we're going to be doing some live-blogging. Head on over to 12StepDrop for the stream if you want, but I'm pretty sure everyone gets NBC these days. The fun starts around 8, so join us, won't you?

Streaming Live: Opening Night

Also:

Pierre Thomas Preparing To Play
Barber's Role Diminished
Matt Stafford Named Starter
Off Field Issues Creating Headaches
Chatter

We'll be doing some more live blogging tonight over at 12StepDrop at 8pm. Brady's back and Jon Gruden makes his debut on Monday (well Thursday) Night Football.

If you haven't been by 12StepDrop yet, checkout the Chatter section. It filters out all the useless tweets by the players and shows you just their thoughts on camp and their teams. Just what the internet needs, more fantasy data.

See you back here at 8 ...

As I mentioned on Friday, I will be live blogging the first preseason game over at 12StepDrop tonight at 8pm. We decided we might try something a little different and embed the viewer here as well. It will have a fantasy slant, but if you are watching a Buffalo-Tennessee preseason game, chances are you play a little fantasy ...

If you haven't been by 12StepDrop yet, checkout the Chatter section. It filters out all the useless tweets by the players and shows you just their thoughts on camp and their teams. Just what the internet needs, more fantasy data.

See you back here at 8 ...

Well here we are folks. It's one of the most enjoyable nights of the year and it's become a fun tradition here at AA. There will be photos, videos, analysis and fun all evening long, so comment early and comment often. We'll get underway around 7pm but in the meantime feel free to click through last year's live blogs, and leave your predictions in the comments.

NBA Draft Live-Blog 2008
NBA Draft Live-Blog 2007

Okay all, I'm here and ready to go. Was just checking out all the MJ news, and the support in LA is amazing. Whether or not you believed the allegations against him or not, there wasn't a person in the world who wasn't touched by his music at some point or another.

With that said, what's the over/under on the number of minutes before ESPN tries a tribute piece?

"I believe it's a very deep draft!"- Dick Vitale

You hear that Bilas? Vitale is trying to best you for biggest over-statement of the Draft! Don't take that nonsense!!! David Stern is kicking this thing off with his cheesy "hard work" speech and we're underway!

"It's a very rowdy group tonight."- David Stern

YES! Thank goodness something in this Draft will be entertaining. DANNY MANNING, CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP!!! Clippers on the clock.

"Clippers frantically looking over their notes to see if they should take Griffin or a new prospect they just discovered, Patrick Chewing." (Via Lammy)

Hahahaha. Too funny.
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1. Blake Griffin
PF, 6'10", 248 lbs
Oklahoma

You think the Clippers could have gotten Griffin to wear red or something. That purple is a little nasty. Oh and the Clippers Draft Room is clapping for themselves. Really? REALLY?!?! That took a lot of thought. Oh and eff you Clippers for wasting five minutes of our lives!

"Mark Jones is just a horrible host. He used to be good but he has gone off the cheesy end." (Via SS Reporters)

Ain't that the truth! ESPN now scores an interview with Bill Simmons' new nemesis, Mike Dunleavy. Who ironically is the only GM-Coach combo in the NBA.
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2. Hasheem Thabeet
C, 7'3", 267lbs.
Connecticut

"Did the Commissioner just say Tanzania? Yes he did!"- Stuart Scott

Ugh. Stuart Scott just broke the annoying sound barrier. This could be a worse pick than Kandi Man. He's just too slow for the NBA. Basketball has been berry berry good to Hasheem!

"They took Brian West.....er, Russel Westbrook"- Mark Jackson
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3. James Harden
SG, 6'5", 222lbs.
Arizona State

I love the Mark Jackson assessments down the bottom....Sacramento "Need a Point Guard"

Harden is another person I predict as a bust in the NBA, but I like the kid, so I hope he proves me wrong. If the Kings don't take Rubio, they deserve to have the most lottery balls for their existence.

"His shorts are going to be a lot lower than Byron Scott's." - Stu Scott (Via SS)

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4. Tyreke Evans
SG, 6'5", 220lbs.
Memphis

"He's got size, he's got amazing length."- Jay Bilas

And now we watch Ricky Rubio fall to New York, the only team that can pay his fee. Damn, the Wiz could have had Jason Williams 2.0!
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5. Ricky Rubio
PG, 6'5", 180lbs.
Spain

There's not a chance in hell that Rubio weighs 180lbs, ESPN! Oh and the Knicks fans chiming in with the USA chants was priceless. If the Timberwolves select Stephen Curry next, I'm going to lose it. Hey, a Fran Fraschilla sighting! Drink!!!

"He's got a Gretzky like feel for the game of basketball."- Fran Frashcilla

"Oh THATS where Spain is? Thanks ESPN." (Via Lammy)

Great use of the World Map, ESPN. And Jemele Hill's tweet comparing Rubio to Balky from Perfect Strangers was priceless.
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6. Johnny Flynn
PG, 6'1", 196lbs.
Syracuse

Wow. Didn't think they would pick two point guards, especially playing in the West. Johnny Flynn is going to be a good NBA player.....when he gets traded away from Minnesota. If anyone can get me that ESPN puzzle piece in front of Mark Jones, I will pay them top dollar. I want to hang that above my fireplace.

"He's got one of the best smiles in this Draft class"- Mark Jones

Great analysis there.
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7. Stephen Curry
PG, 6'3", 181lbs.
Davidson

"I didn't realize there were so many fans who hated the Golden State Warriors."- Stu Scott

I know the Knicks fans are booing now, but TRUST ME....this is for the best. Pick DeMar DeRozan and love watching him dominate over the next few years. Oh and get this little rumor....Rubio is heading to the Knicks. So just relax.

"He's got real good maturity."- Jay Bilas (Via 49er16)

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8. Jordan Hill
PF, 6'10", 232lbs.
Arizona

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

That shows you how much Knicks fans know about Basketball. I think DeRozan would have been the better pick since they already have David Lee, but Hill is a beast. Good pick, but he might be traded to Minnesota soon.

Is it just me or does Donnie Walsh look like he's in the mob?
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9. DeMar DeRozan
G, 6'6", 211lbs.
USC

Hello Tracy McGrady 2.0! Great pick for the Raptors there. Wait, did DeMar just use the word "defensicality"? Jay Bilas would like a word with you!!!

"People leaving draft in droves. Only in NY. Come to boo and leave." (Via Darren Rovell on Twitter)

Thanks for the infomercial on the public transportation, Mark Jones. Signed, Toronto (Via 49er16)
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10. Brandon Jennings
PG, 6'2", 165lbs.
Compton/Italy

Well I guess you can now say averaging 4.0ppg in Europe will help your draft status. Sorry David Stern.

"He's got a chance to be very very good."- Jay Bilas

Ummm....can't you say that about everybody in the Draft?

"He didn't go to Europe to improve his draft status! He went to Europe to GET PAID." (Via Free Darko on Twitter)

Good point. And now he gets to go to Milwaukee. Screw Italy....Milwaukee is where it's at!!!!

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11. Terrence Williams
SG, 6'6", 212lbs.
Louisville

"Terrence Williams says he doesn't watch ESPN...."- Stu Scott

Guess who's my new favorite player! Lebron and Williams in 2010!!!

"Shout out to Jay Bilas. He's a great guy, even though he went to Duke."- Terrence Williams

And now it's time to watch Michael Jordan botch a draft pick! Who's ready for Tyler Hansbrough!!!!
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12. Gerald Henderson
SG, 6'5", 215lbs.
Duke

I'd just love it if one year the Bobcats would draft out of state.

Of course Jay Bilas loves Henderson. Bilas proabably thinks he should have been the first pick. (Via 49er16)

Henderson is one of only a few players Jordan actually saw for Charlotte. Can't believe he made this pick without doing any leg work. (Via TheJonLee on Twitter)
______________________________

13. Tyler Hansbrough
PF, 6'10", 234lbs.
UNC

And the Knicks fans are right on queue with the chant of OVER-RATED!!! Is anybody completely bored with the Draft at this point?

"It's okay if you want to stay all four years."- Jeff Van Gundy

Well not normally, but okay. Tyler already has the standard/boring answers down pat. 110% Baby!!!!!! Where's Dickie V???

There are going to be tons of mormons rioting in the streets of Salt Lake tonight because Hansbrough didn't go to the Jazz. (Via Lammy)
______________________________

14. Earl Clark
SF, 6'10", 226lbs.
Louisville

Oh my god!!!! That's Brandon Jennings music!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a random appearance. Oh and Jay Bilas....STOP SAYING THE WORD "LENGTH"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No one even cares about the great pick of Earl Clark because Jennings now gets to talk about his decisions. Good times, and that's the end of the lottery.
______________________________

15. Austin Daye
SF, 6'11, 192lbs.
Gonzaga

Length, Length, Length, Length, Wingspan....Tayshaun Prince clone....yada yada yada. Next pick please.

Surprise! Dickie V likes the picks of Hansbrough and Curry, and he even says Curry will be the ROY next year. Ugh.

"Daye makes Prince look like the Hulk."- Jeff Van Gundy
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16. James Johnson
PF, 6'8", 258lbs.
Wake Forest

Not a bad pick there at all. A big man that can shoot is what you need in the league, and with Deng hurt all the time....Johnson might be able to step in right away.

It's time for ESPN to lose the draft rights and put it on Versus or something. I'm tired of these bozos managing to screw up every draft by the verbal diaharrea they spew out. (Via SS)

Yeah, this is pretty damn boring and pointless.
______________________________

17. Jrue Holiday
G, 6'4", 199lbs.
UCLA

Yawn....Minnesota is getting ready to select another Point Guard, so let's brace ourselves!

Nice wide tie Jrue where did he pick that thing up, 1985? (Via Lammy)
______________________________

18. Ty Lawson (Traded to Denver)
PG, 6'1", 199lbs.
UNC

Ummm....when did the Timberwolves become the Lions??? There's no doubt that Rubio is heading to NYC, right? Oh wait....Ty Lawson is going to Denver apparently.

wanna bet that last Minny pick was part of a trade ??? anyone ? (Via Mark Cuban on Twitter)

"You can't play everyone." - JVG (Via JFein)

GENIUS!!!!
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19. Jeff Teague
G, 6'1", 175lbs.
Wake Forest

Worst defender in the draft. Terrible pick of Teague by the Hawks, who just traded for Jamal Crawford. Just a terrible pick. Got a dollar says the Jazz pick BJ Mullens....
______________________________

20. Eric Maynor
PG, 6'3", 164lbs.
VCU

Wow. Interesting pick since they already have Deron Williams in the backcourt. They could send Brewer to the three though, and have a two guard lineup. Intriguing.

Great....a Larry Brown interview. And thank you Knicks fans for once again booing on queue.
______________________________

21. Darren Collison
PG, 6'1", 166lbs.
UCLA

Yes! We have our first player who wasn't invited to the Draft making his way through the fans!!! Always the best move at the Draft. Nothing like having hostile New York fans throwing stuff at you as you surprise David Stern on stage. Good times.

Seriously, how do the Hornets take this guy ahead of Blair? You can get a reliable 10-minute backup PG for $1M this summer. (Via John Hollinger on Twitter)

I don't know about that one. I like the backup point guard move at this point. Plus I want Blair to slip to the Wiz at the top of round two.
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22. Victor Claver
F, 6'9", 224lbs.
Spain

Forget the Portland foreigner....Shaq is talking about Mike Jackson! Couldn't ESPN have done better than a conference call with Lisa Salters!?!?!?! Stop talking over the Diesel, woman!!! Worst. Interview. Ever.

Shaq says "I've always been a team player." Somwhere Kobe is laughing out loud. (Via Skip Bayless on Twitter)
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23. Omri Casspi
F, 6'9", 211lbs.
Israel

The fact that someone was holding up a "Jordan" jersey in front of all the Israeli flags in the stands. MIDDLE EAST REPRESENT!!!!


"They better have good flafel in Sacramento!"- Fran Fraschilla
______________________________

24. BJ Mullens (To OKC for Rodrigue Beaubois)
7'1", 258lbs.
Ohio State

Wow....Mark Cuban has been focusing all of his attention on bloggers, and not on the Draft. When have the Mavericks ever had a real center on their team? Answer....never.
______________________________

25. Rodrigue Beaubois (To Dallas for BJ Mullens)
G, 6'2", 182lbs.
Guadeloupe

Pass.

Oh wait.....the two teams drafting in back of each other just traded the last two picks. Why does the draft suck so bad now?
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26. Taj Gibson
PF, 6'9", 214lbs.
USC

Annnnnnnd.....it's commercial time. No more commentary for the rest of the night from ESPN.
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27. DeMarre Carroll
F, 6'7", 207lbs.
Missouri

"Here's a guy who has a liver disease"- Stuart Scott

Must Improve: Drinking Tolerance
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28. Wayne Ellington
G, 6'5", 202lbs.
UNC

I finally agree with Jay Bilas. I think Ellington will be a better pro than Henderson, but there's a problem. What do you do with Corey Brewer and Rodney Carney?

***Knicks trade Quentin Richardson to Memphis for Darko***

Sure....why not?!?!?!
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29. Toney Douglas
G, 6'2", 183lbs.
FSU

Not a bad pick at all for the Knicks. But now the Cavs get DeJaun Blair, and the Wizards will never beat them in a Playoff Series.
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30. Christian Eyenga
G/F
Congo

"With the 30th and the final pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select...."

Even Stern doesn't want this to go to a second round.

Christian Eyenga: 0.8 PPG. Stat of the night. (Via Dan Shanoff on Twitter)
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That's it for me tonight. Just don't have it in me to stick with this for a whole second round full of foreign players. Thanks for joining in, and I'll have some quotes and videos tomorrow. I'll be on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/awfulannouncing, so we can all continue this party there if you'd like.

James Harrison is going to eat you all alive. Especially if you're wearing a white uniform in the snow right now.

Kaeding kicks to Gary Russell, who takes it out to the 24. Parker busts out for a first down by cutting to the right and following the block. He then grabs another three on the next carry, but then gets stuffed. Ben rifles his first pass of the half to Holmes thanks to some good pass-blocking. Ben goes deep for Holmes this time -- but it's just beyond his grasp as he lays out for a 60 yard pass. Parker loses a yard on the carry. Ben hits Washington at the Chargers' 32 for another first down.

Carry for Parker for two yards; checkdown to Davis for no yardage. 3rd and 8 -- and Ben finds Heath Miller on the right side, he runs past the marker and heads all the way to the 11. Ben rolls out to his right, hits Miller at the two yard line, Miller leaps....and, TOUCHDOWN, STEELERS! Reed's kick is up and good, 21-10, Pittsburgh! That drive sucked up a ton of the third quarter.

Darren Sproles breaks off a HUGE return, running through the gap and to the right sideline. 63 yard return, and if the Chargers don't do anything with this, they're through.

The pass by Rivers is tipped....it flips up...and it's INTERCEPTED BY LARRY FOOTE! Suck it, Rivers!

They're playing Against Me! in a football stadium. Holy hell. I saw that band in a couple of real dingy tiny clubs and now their music is on stadium PAs. Anyway, Norv loses the challenge, like we thought he would, because he's Norval Eugene Turner. Parker gains four, as Charger defenders yell, "He's holdin' the shit outta me!" God bless on-field mics. End around for the first down. Another first down on the rush for Parker....but that's coming back for a holding penalty on Miller.

Draw play for three yards. Not much. Punt coming, and it bounces off Eric Weddle's helmet!!! Sadly, it can't be advanced, but the Bolts are still in even more trouble. Ball at the Chargers' 22!

Oh, glorious Norv Face in Snow, in HD.

Hines Ward picks up a long first down by getting extra yards after the catch, and this is a late hit on the Bolts to make it first and goal very close. Ward is laughing at Cletus Gordon, too. Parker burrows to the 1 yard line. Ben rolls left and throws it away. 3rd and goal. Russell fights for it, but is short. Third quarter ends. Phil's calling for the 4th down goal line play.

Carry goes to Davis...and the Chargers stop him short!

Woodley just gave Rivers some suplex action on that play. Phil the Floater throws 2nd down out of bounds. Bolts wind up punting again. Hee.

Apparently anytime the QB is sacked it should be unnecessary roughness according to the announcers. - Zidane Valor

There's more roughing the passer calls than actually exist in both college and pro. I understand wanting to protect guys who are usually wide open to being hurt, but c'mon, NFL, lighten up. Woodley will probably be fined for that one.

Roethlisberger goes deep for Nate Washington and gets tackled in the end zone. PI on the Chargers, first and goal at the one. Gary Russell steps it into the end zone......TOUCHDOWN, STEELERS! Reed's kick is good, 28-10.

Generally, I think PI in the NFL ought to be reduced to a spot foul only up to 15 yards. Any more and it's only a 15 yard penalty.

Down 11 and taking an intentional safety? Nantz and Simms can't possibly be serious, can they? - Anon
Nantz out-coaches Norv when he suggests the Chargers take the safety on 4th and 20 from their 1. - Mal

That was amazingly stupid as far as a suggestion went. And Phil played the game. He really doesn't have any excuse for being that dumb. Rivers' first pass is to Jackson for 8 yards at the 34. Say hello to Brett Kiesel, Philip. Another sack (rubs hands with glee, then cat's cradles them.) Eeeeexcellent. Rivers then hits Brandon Manumaleuna, who gets a first down because there's no one in the area at all. Pocket Darren gets another first down on the screen pass.

Looks like LaDamlian will be watching the rest of the playoffs on his Vizio... - James Craven

Another completion to Manumaleuna. Chambers hauls in a 3rd down pass past midfield. This Steelers prevent defense sucks. King Douchebag throws it out of bounds. He then hits Chambers deep, and gets extra yardage thanks to a personal foul call on Troy Polamalu. First and goal at the 4. Rivers hits the quick throw to Legadu Naane for the San Diego touchdown. Kaeding's kick is good, 28-17.

Ben aims for Nate Washington again and the ball falls incomplete. Rolled over on to the ground. Steelers pick up the first, as Hines Ward makes a nice catch while falling. Parker rushes for two. Parker finds a hole on the outside and makes his way down the sideline for 27 yards. He grabs six more, then Moore follows up with a run to the left for a first down.

"The Chargers have had enough of Big Ben. They've seen him three times this year." - Jim
"Three times?" - Phil
"Yeah, you were there when they saw him in London, the clock tower!" - Jim

Ouch. Anyway, Parker just ran into the end zone for a Steelers touchdown, which ought to put this one on ice. 35-17, Pittsburgh.

Another shot of Rivers on the ground.....oh, it's so beautiful. And Scifres is punting, admitting it's a lost cause. Pure Norval. Moore fair catches.

This game is officially over because Byron Leftwich is in now....yawn. So the AFC Championship Game will be a barn-burner of defense; the third match-up between the Ravens and the Steelers this year.

Why is SD punting down 18 with 3:30 to go? Punting gives you zero chance. Who cares what the score is. - BWAlaska

Because Norv Turner is a loser and a wuss.

This has been another edition of Simple Answers to Simple Questions.

Berger punts to Mighty Mouse, who only runs back for four yards before being forced out of bounds.

Why are these guys not pounding the Steelers here at least a bit on clock management? They run out of bounds, they are throwing the ball up 18???? Is Tomlin trying to hit 60 points like Stoops in the Big XII championship game? - Mal

I'd get a bit more riled up about it if the plays were successful. At least his second teamers are on the field.

OK, Tomlin challenging a pass call this late might be a bit on the asshole side. But he might be right.

Sproles gets a stat-padding touchdown for 62 yards. Kaeding's kick is good, 35-24.

The onside kick is called for offsides on the Steelers, and they'll re-kick. The kick goes into the arms of Gary Russell, and that is truly game with no time outs left for the Bolts. Knees down, game over, 35-24 Steelers! Bye bye, Norval. Bye bye, Marmalard.

I went 2-2 this weekend pick-wise, if you're asking or care. I will be out of town next weekend, sadly -- so AA will have something ready for you, I'm sure. See you in a couple weeks, guys!

This is Darren Sproles at a charity event put on by now-former Charger Donnie Edwards, I believe. (I love using charity event and side business photos here. They're just, so, out of the element.)

Game: AFC Divisional Playoff #2
Teams: San Diego Chargers (8-8, AFC West Champs) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, AFC North Champs)
Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Start Time: 4:45 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms (CBS)
Miscellany: Norv Face, Big Ben's offensive protection and his recovery from a concussion, the Chargers' impossible run after going 8-8, Mighty Mite Darren Sproles, Philip Rivers getting snubbed for the Pro Bowl.
Favorite: Steelers (-6)
S2N's Pick: Steelers. I find it hard to go against the best defense in the whole damn league.

Hello, fwends. I'm not your buddy, Nantz. Reed kicks to Darren Sproles, and he's down at the 25. Grrrr.....douchebag sighting on the field....BASH HIS FAT FACE IN PLEASE JAMES HARRISON.

(hate subsiding a little.)

Rivers to Antonio Gates with plenty of room, 21 yards on the first play. Screen out to Sproles on the right side, and he gets another first down across midfield by slipping two tacklers. Rivers airs out a floater to the end zone...and Vincent Jackson comes down with a 41 yard catch over Ike Taylor. Touchdown, Bolts! Nate Kaeding's kick is good, 7-0, Bolts.

Jackson gets an unsportsmanlike penalty for his TD celebration, which I don't believe we actually got a shot of. Steelers start at the 42, running play with Willie Parker, and he busts through the line for a first down and into Chargers' territory. Parker gets another three yards. Parker again, up the gut and past the marker, tackled by Clinton Hart. So far, we have seen no five-wide formations -- which is Bruce Arians trying to get cute. Screen out to Hines Ward for a couple yards, but Santonio Holmes gets flagged for holding. Ben throws to Ward again -- Quentin Jammer knocks it away as Ward tries to hold on.

Ben to TE Heath Miller for 11 yards. Next couple plays are incomplete and short, 4th down. They go for it....wait, Ben quick-kicks it and it's down inside the 15. First Cassel pulls this, now Roethlisberger. Start at the 9, Sproles gets 3 yards on the first carry of the series. Mighty Mouse gets two more.

The QB punt will be next season's Wildcat formation. Mark my words. - Deven

Mike Scifres punts and Santonio Holmes BUSTS IT OUT AND TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE! 68 yards for Holmes! Woo! Reed's XP is good, 7-7 all.

Spoke too soon. Santonio EXPOSES the Chargers punt coverage team. He seems to be good at doing that, exposing things... - PricelessCommentary
Best tackle on that punt return was by cameraman. - JG
I think Nantz jinxed the hell out of Scifres. - Zidane Valor

Nantz owes the punter a Coke. Sproles' kick return to the 36, and Michael Bennett gets his first rush of the year. Face mask on fullback Jacob Hester -- going back some more! Rivers hits Chambers for his first reception of the game. Checkdown pass to Bennett for a few yards. 3rd down converted for nine yards to Antonio Gates. False start, back 'em up to first and 15. Sproles gets three of those back. Rush on for 2nd down, and Lamar Woodley takes Rivers down for the first sack of the game and a real 3rd and long.

Delay of game on top of that, and it's first sighting of Norv Face. He's not wearing glasses this week, sadly. 3rd and 25. Sproles only gets back to the line of scrimmage.

Fuck...Nantz just pulled a Vasgersian. Outyardaged. - Anon @ 5:11

Can we set up an electro-shocker for commentators who make up words like that? Steelers start at the 25 after the punt. Parker gets a couple yards. Deep ball for Nate Washington, who gets tangled up with Jammer. Yinzers are booing like mad for a PI flag (which shouldn't be thrown.) 3rd and nine -- and down goes Big Ben, sacked for the first time.

Mitch Berger punts it 49 yards. "I'm glad he didn't change his name today." - Phil, and there's a block in the back on the Bolts.

An Axe-manufactured hair crisis. One of the many companies who believe men are fundamentally morons (the top offender is usually the beer companies, especially the ones who sell cheap piss-water.)

Sproles grabs another first down on a 2nd and 2, followed by a quarter change and a one-yard carry for Mighty Mouse. Gates gets eight on the reception, following a shot of a guy with enough chains and beads to be mistaken for a Baltimore Ravens fan. 3rd down fails, and Scifres to punt again. Another delay of game call on the Chargers....wait, and Norv just made his first dumb decision of the day by challenging the spot.

THAT's the incompetent Norv I know. - SSR
Apparently Norv didn't see Coughlin screw this same thing up earlier today. - Mal
Norv Turner channeling his inner Andy Reid with that challenge. - Ghost

Ah, that's the regression to the mean Peter Principle that we know and love in Norv. And of course he loses the challenge. Fair catch on the punt by Mewelde Moore at the 17.

Parker scoops up another first down on the ground. Fast Willie up the middle for another six, he then fights for another chain movement. Moore goes for four yards; then Parker's back for two. 3rd and 3 will become 3rd and 8 after a false start. Big Ben goes to the fullback, but Eric Weddle tackles Cary Davis short of the first. Chargers call time out on 4th down, after the Steelers try to rush them by going for it quickly.

Berger's punt rolls into the end zone. Ike Taylor nearly takes away Rivers' pass for Chambers on first down. Rivers throws the ball away on 2nd down. Rivers hurls another high floater -- and Vincent Jackson lays out and makes the catch....uh-oh, that looked like it bounced. Here comes Tomlin's challenge flag!

"They have to give the defense time to align after the substitution." - Phil

They do? Then how did Indy get away with that quick pass a couple weeks ago? Why was the official holding up that play?

I don't understand.... - Anon @ 5:40

I'm kind of confused too, except to say that there's a difference between that play and changing for a punt formation. Peyton caught them during an offensive play; it wasn't a 4th down play.

And that reception is no more, as it's overturned. Scifres to punt again, and Big Swinging Dick John...err....Santonio Holmes is back to receive. He fair catches this one. Holmes for three, then a pass for five to Nate Washington. 3rd down means another short out to the fullback, and Davis gets up-ended by Jammer short of the line. Fake punt, snapped to Ryan Clark, and the Bolts have it stopped.

Sproles is brought down by Woodley and James Harrison on first down in Steeler territory. Legadu Naane trips on his route, and the pass falls to the ground. Rivers finds Gates over the middle again and he's got 15 yards and a first down. Sproles gets knocked in the backfield again. Anotiher screen pass to Sproles -- and Woodley plows him over. Another pass to Gates and it's short of the first. Kaeding will try an FG after the break.

42 yards, up, and good. 10-7, Chargers. Gary Russell takes the kickoff back to the 32. Ben to Holmes, then Moore, and the ball's in Chargers' territory. Ben then throws wide of Heath Miller. Gary Russell smashes in for a third down conversion. Ben overthrows Holmes completely. A little lighter touch and Holmes would have had a first and goal. Pass to Miller for a first, but there's a flag down for illegal formation.

Ben goes deep again and finds Hines Ward at the 10, who then runs out of bounds at the 3 yard line. First and goal, Steelers! Sweep left to Parker.....TOUCHDOWN, STEELERS! Reed's XP is good, 14-10, Pittsburgh.

Antonio Cromartie returns the kickoff and almost breaks loose. Start at the 30, Sproles gets nothing, and that will end the half. See you in the next thread post-halftime.

Because it really isn't a Giants game live-blog if I don't get Abby Manning in there somewhere, right?

Demps takes the kickoff out to the Eagles 47. McNabb to the Avant Garde for a two yard pass. McNabb's pass is knocked down, and it's in the hands of D-lineman Fred Robbins! He rumbles over to the Eagle 30 until Kevin Curtis brings him down.

I don't think I've ever seen 300-lbs move like that before in my life. - JFein

Jacobs drags defenders with him inside the 20 for a first down. He then gets five more on the next carry. Screen to Ward is dropped, who was running before making the catch. The third down pass is behind Kevin Boss, and Carney will have to try for another FG. Kick is up and good, 11-10, Giants.

We'd like to advise Kevin Gilbride to stop being clever and run Brandon Jacobs until Philly proves it can stop him consistently. Right now, I understand why Buddy Ryan punched him in the mouth back in the day, and I'm sure some Giants fans would like to do the same.

Eagles start at the 25, McNabb's pass is off the hands of Celek. After a hold, it's 2nd and 20. Incomplete to Brian Westbrook, 3rd down. McNabb to Avant Garde, wide open, and Avant gets past the first down marker! Donny Mac has a gimme deep ball dropped by Curtis, but an illegal hands to the face penalty is called on the Giants (not much there, ticky-tack). Buckhalter catches a pass for a couple yards and gets nailed. James Butler stops Buckhalter in Giant territory on the run play.

Matt Damon! That's who Myers looks like with that silly hat on! - Anon @ 3:04

Yup, straight out of Ocean's Eleven. Pass incomplete to Avant. McNabb has all day -- finds Buckhalter in the middle and gets a first down on a 3rd and 10. Up the gut with Westbrook for four more yards. Donny goes for Westbrook in the end zone and overthrows him. After another incomplete, Akers hits another FG. 13-11, Eagles.

No one apparently wants to win this game that badly. Bradshaw returns the kick to the 32 yard line.

McNabb could have pulled out a cell phone, call his mom, have her cook and bring him a can of Campbell's Chunky Soup, eat said chunky soup, and still have time to complete that pass. - JFein

Rush for three yards to start. Jacobs gets two more to the left. Eli drops back and goes deep for Domenik Hixon -- and they finally connect in Philly territory! Eli aims high for Hixon, incomplete. Jacobs goes for the right side and gets nothing. Carney on for a long try -- and that's no good from 47.

Westbrook again up the middle for five yards to start. 2nd down incomplete, McNabb got pressured by Barry Cofield. McNabb hits Curtis for eight yards on a five-stepper; great throw away from the coverage by Corey Webster. Webster breaks up the next one to Curtis, and Coach Sgt. Hartman is FURIOUS. Um....he was kinda going for the ball there, ref. A left hand on the left shoulder wasn't enough....and they picked up the flag.

Now Andy Reid is angry too. The only time you see him show this much emotion is when he's thinking Arby's. (Cheap joke, I know.) Next play gets a face mask on Antonio Pierce, getting the Eagles another first down -- and McNabb then hits Curtis at the Giants' 13 for another 15. Celek for another five on the next pass play. Westbrook up the middle for 3 yards; 3rd and 1. Interesting that Reid's going to a running game balance and using him up the middle. That's not his usual play-calling trend.

Pitch left to Westbrook; he gets outside and the first -- and starts first and goal at the three. McNabb drops back, easy flip to Celek in the left corner of the end zone, TOUCHDOWN, EAGLES! Akers' kick is up and good, 20-11, Philly.

Who falls for this play? The tight end either runs this route or across the middle EVERY DAMN TIME. Anyway, G-men have the ball, and Jacobs rushes 11 yards to start it off. He bounces off the right and goes back left for five more yards. 3rd and short after Jacobs gets plugged up.

"That was an interesting play call by Kevin Gilbride there." - Troy, being too diplomatic to say it sucked. Coughlin now has to challenge the spot.

Bill Simmons called this the year that Home field advantage died. Shouldn't every Road dog win? Look out Steelers. - frankasu03

Giants Stadium is not exactly State of the Art. Wind still affects the hell out of everything and it's creaky and ugly. If we're going by those rules, home field ought to apply -- and I can't believe that Eli hasn't figured out how to throw a tighter spiral in this place yet. No wonder they were so happy to go on the road and play all through last year's playoffs.

And Coach Sgt. Hartman just gave away a time out. Eli on the QB sneak -- and he didn't get jack. Eagles' ball!

Westbrook picks up three on the carry. Throw to Curtis, short on the play. 3rd and 5. Swing out to Westbrook, short by two yards. Good tackle by Webster. Rocca punts to Hixon, calls for the fair catch.

Gilbride is a moron. You have a 6'4", 264 pound running back in Brandon Jacobs and you run a QB sneak on 4th and 1? Come on, dude. Derrick Ward gets a first down with 14 yards out to the 25. Another first down for Ward with a two yard carry. Jacobs picks up a yard. Juqua Parker stuffs the run on 3rd -- and Coughlin's gonna go for this one -- has to.

A scary thought: Andy Reid is still making poor challenges and some bad play calls, but he must be transferring his crappy essence on the opposing sideline, too. First Brad Childress, now Kevin Gilbride is getting affected by the suck (although Gilbride has blown for years; one of the great mysteries is how the Giants won an SB with him calling plays.)

And Brandon Jacobs gets stuffed on 4th down. Measurement coming, but he looked short. Yep, turnover on downs.

McNabb airs it out for DeSean Jackson, who beats Corey Webster, and he's down at the one, I think. Looked like his knee hit before he lost the ball, but he fell on it in the end zone anyway. Westbrook stopped on first and goal, and gets caught in mid-air on 2nd down; lost a yard. The Eagles, no matter what, are not a goal line rushing team, period. Play action, boyos.

Turfed and incomplete for Hank Baskett. Kendra isn't happy. Akers on for 21-yard FG try....up and good, 23-11, Eagles. We can probably put this sucker on ice barring anything too stupid.

Manning to Toomer near midfield for a first. Buck talks about Plaxico Burress; I honestly don't believe Plax would have made that much of a difference. I think Jim Johnson would have taken his chances with loading up the box if they saw Eli throwing in the wind like that the whole game....and Eli throws another pick, this one to Quinton Mykell.

McNabb scrambles for nine yards....and dear God, the NFC championship game's gonna be in Glendale, Arizona. Jesus. Please tell me the Chargers aren't going to win. I can't deal with the possibility of a Bolts-Cards Super Bowl. McNabb gets an unsportsmanlike penalty for apparently picking up the phone on the Giants sideline. Neither Spags nor Gilbride are usually in the booth for them, so I wonder whom he was thanking for Eli sucking.

Hixon takes the Rocca punt back to the 20 yard line...and Eli nearly threw another pick. Two minute warning.

I said it once and I'll say it again. Eli Manning was looking ahead... to the Oreo Double Stuff Racing League battle with the Williams sisters. - PricelessCommentary

Joe Buck's outrage at Donny Mac's phone call reminds me of his disgust at Randy Moss faux-mooning Green Bay: totally fake, manufactured, and utter bullshit. Another turnover on downs for the Giants, and we're really just waiting for the kneel downs. Final score is 23-11, Philly, and the NFC championship game will be the Eagles visiting the Buzzsaw That Is The Arizona Cardinals in the Pink Taco next Sunday.

See you up in the 2nd live-blog for Philip and Nantzy Boy in Yinzer Central.

All right. Double live bloggin' today. Worth watching today: the clash between the Eagles' run-stuffing safety Brian Dawkins and the G-men's trio of RBs, because Brandon Jacobs is back this time.

Game: NFC Divisional Playoff #2
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, 2nd place, NFC East) vs. New York Giants (12-4, NFC East Champs)
Location: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Start Time: 1 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, and Chris Myers (Fox)
Miscellany: Manning Face, Donovan McNabb's future in Philly, Jim Johnson's defense, Steve Spagnuolo's D (and his "hot candidate" status for head coaching vacancies), Andy Reid's curious challenges and/or time management.
Favorite: Giants (-4)
S2N's Pick: Giants. Jacobs is playing this time around, and that sets up the run game. Plus, you all know I don't trust Andy Reid's play-calling against competent coaches. He could forget Brian Westbrook exists this week.

Chris Myers again? Is he giving the big boys blowjobs to get these gigs? - Anon @ 12:57

It's probably that they pay him a ton and are trying to justify it.

Or they are too cheap to use anyone else. - JFein

Now, now. Hacks don't come cheap. Do you know how much his hair spray budget is? (And we won't get evidence of this today; Myers is wearing a cap.)

"Hence the hat for Chris; he looks like he's in Prison Break." - Joe Buck, weaving in both bad joke and Fox promo like the skilled slick bastard he is. Eagles will kick off to Ahmad "Fire" Bradshaw, with the wind swirling all over the place in New Jersey. They should note when the wind is NOT a factor at the Meadowlands. Bradshaw scampers all the way down in Eagles territory and kicker David Akers saves a touchdown by pushing him out at the Philly 36 or so.

Eli Manning's first pass goes for The Other Steve Smith, and the wind catches it a bit -- lucky for Asante Samuel, who was about to get burned if not for that. Brandon Jacobs gets 7 on his first carry for a 3rd and 3. Manning Face on the first play is a rarity. Screen pass to Ward -- and he's short of the marker. 4th and 2, and the G-men are going for it -- Jacobs gets that first down.

Manning completes to TE Darcy Johnson at the 11. Jacobs gets one or two, tackled by Brian Dawkins. Incomplete on 2nd down, short out to Derrick Ward again on 3rd down....and short. FG team on. John Carney's attempt is good, 3-0, Giants.

Quentin Demps returns Lawrence Tynes' kick 19 yards. Donovan McNabb starts with a rifle shot to DeSean Jackson for nine yards....well, 10. First down. Westbrook gets hit in the backfield for a loss at the 40. McNabb to Correll Buckhalter on a screen pass that gets sniffed out and brought down for another 3 yard loss. 3rd and 16. McNabb aims behind Kevin Curtis -- three and out. Clearly, the Giants have no respect for the run game right now -- they're loading guys in the secondary and having them play run support.

To add insult to injury, it's a false start on the punt. 4th and 21, and the predictable "EAGLES SUCK" chant. Domenik Hixon crosses the 40 on the punt, but there are flags for either holding or a block in the back. Holding and unsportsmanlike.

And right off the bat, Eli throws an ill-advised pass and Asante Samuel picks him off, returning it for a first and goal situation. Ah, Manning Face.

Westbrook on first and goal from the 2 is completely stuffed. McNabb skies 2nd and goal out of bounds with a flag thrown -- usually that's holding, but it's defensive, and it resets the downs from the one. Westbrook tries to jump in, and crashes thanks to a G-men defender at the line of scrimmage. McNabb keeps it himself and reaches over the goal line, TOUCHDOWN, EAGLES. Akers' kick is good, 7-3, Philly.

Still trying to figure out whose idea of a date movie is "My Bloody Valentine 3D." By personal experience, horror movies don't exactly make great dates.

Dear Asante, nice to see you can intercept Eli Manning

-Signed,
the New England Patriots - Ghost

Hah. Ward carries for two, and it's a long third down for the Giants coming up. Manning throws 12 yards for Steve Smith, moving the chains. The Eagles stop up two more running plays, and it's another 3rd and long. Manning floats another pass, this one out of bounds for Amani Toomer. Punt is 45 yards, and Philly will have to back up thanks to a block in the back. They'll start at about the 10 or so.

What's "G"? It's the crappiest set of spots ever, that's what. Westbrook loses a yard on the carry. A false start will move the Eagles back even further. Buckhalter gets five yards on 2nd down.

Get me some PowerAde. - James Craven

Donny Mac's 3rd down pass goes through the mitts of Jason the Avant Garde....and Rocca will punt again. Hixon gets nailed by Considine at the Philly 46 -- and it will back up into Giants territory because of a block in the back. Brandon Jacobs picks up 11 yards and a first down to end the quarter.

This is gonna rival Titans v. Ravens for flags. - Mal

Hopefully not with ticky-tack ones in the fourth quarter when it counts, though. Jacobs starts with a rush for two, follows up with 1 yard. Manning goes downfield for Smith....and overthrows him. Jeff Feagles punts, it's saved from the end zone by Terrell Thomas, and downed at the five.

Westbrook gets a yard on the carry after Buck remarks that the Eagles have only gained 10 yards so far. McNabb flips the ball out on 2nd down, and EVERYBODY DO THE SAFETY DANCE! Intentional grounding. 7-5, Philly.

McNabb didn't vomit on the field then, but that was a pretty sick hurl on that pass. - Mal

I'm pretty surprised Andy Reid didn't challenge that, it just seems like the type of thing he would challenge. He's stepping up a notch for the post-season. - Ghost

Rocca free punts it to Hixon, who brings it out to the 32. Four yards on a first down rush. Eli hits Kevin Boss a yard short of the marker...at least it looked like that to me, but apparently he's got it. Ward for three as he runs out to the right. Incomplete pass, but Stewart Bradley gets called for illegal hands to the face, first down. Manning hits Boss for 21 down the left sideline, gets forced out at the 27. Jacobs carries for no gain.

Manning throws another duck that's a bit too far to catch Hixon in stride. The Eagles have to play single coverage on the receivers to stop the run, and Manning isn't hitting them. Eli has to get rid of it, and here comes John Carney for an FG try of 46 yards, and he pushed it right.

Buckhalter carries once again for fuck all. Both defenses are doing rather well with the run. McNabb hits Brent Celek at the 41 for 5 yards. First wasted time out by the Eagles because they can't get a play off.

Arizona must be loving watching this game. If the winner plays like this next week, Arizona may actually be in the Super Bowl. And if Eli continues to play this badly, Arizona's going to have an even easier time in their own house. - Zidane Valor

I don't think Kurt Warner's any better throwing in the wind than these guys, honestly. You can bet the Cards are rooting for the Eagles. L.J. Smith just caught a first down pass for the team's first 3rd down conversion of the game. Westbrook gets two yards on the outside. He then grabs six for his longest run so far this game, after Buck has a bit of an obsession with McNabb's chin strap. Buckhalter burrows for a first down on 3rd and 1.

Another yard for Westbrook. After the next play, it's third and 9. Blitz on, McNabb is hit as he throws by Terrell Thomas, forcing the pass to float, and Sean Dockery comes down with the pick at the Giants 20!

Brandon Jacobs gets a nice 24-yard run to start thanks to a Madison Hedgecock block. Hedge-cock block, heh. Ward gets five on the next carry. Manning hits Boss after stepping up in the pocket and the tight end is down at the Eagles 26 after a 25 yard pass. Jacobs adds another five, and we're in the red zone at the two minute warning.

I can't be the only one who wants to see Taken, if only because Liam Neeson in ass-kicking mode is fun.

The refs took the Jacobs carry off because it apparently was snapped after the clock hit 2 minutes. Quick throw to Hixon, wrapped up, but offsides on Philly. Incomplete on 1st and 5. Tipped ball on 2nd and 5. Short throw to Ward, and he'll be tackled short of the first down. Carney comes on for a 35 yard try. Kick up and good, Giants take an 8-7 lead.

With Coughlin standing around with his hands on his hips, I'm expecting him to start singing "I'm a Little Teapot." - Mal

But he's ALWAYS steamed. How can you tell when to pour him out?

Demps takes the kickoff out to the 25. McNabb throws to Celek, who drops it because he's looking upfield. DeSean Jackson gets his first catch, running out of bounds after passing the first down marker. Donny Mac to the Avant Garde for 5, then another pass to Westbrook, who scampers out of bounds for the first down at the Giants' 49. McNabb to Avant again at the 34.

And Andy Reid burns his last time out with 40 seconds left, while Troy Aikman digs at him slightly for it (rightfully so.)

As a Vikes fan, I now see where Brad Childress got his clock management skills. - Anon @ 2:32 PM

Jackson brings the catch in at the 25. Ball thrown away on 2nd down. 3rd and 1 means Westbrook; he gets the first, and now they spike it. Giants get flagged for an illegal contact on the running play by McNabb, which gets added on. First and goal. McNabb aims for Jackson in the end zone, but he catches it out of bounds. Akers on for the chip-shot FG; it's up and good. 10-8, Eagles at the half. See you in the 2nd half thread.